NBA News

Sam Merrill • SG • Cavaliers

Sam Merrill Won't Play on Friday Vs. Pacers

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (hand) will miss a second consecutive game with a right hand sprain. The 29-year-old drew four starts right before getting hurt and was a solid supporting piece to the team's offense. He's been viable in category leagues as well for fantasy managers that need threes with an average of 3.0 made per game over his last four games. While he's sidelined, there would be some extra minutes for Darius Garland (toe) and Jaylon Tyson (concussion) if they were to be upgraded from questionable. Otherwise, Nae'Qwan Tomlin might be a sneaky play in DFS or deeper leagues. He registered 10 points and two rebounds in 19 minutes in their last game. If De'Andre Hunter is available, though, he'd be the more consistent streaming option.

Nov 21

Marvin Bagley III • PF • Wizards

Marvin Bagley III Doubtful as Wizards Frontcourt Thins

Washington Wizards forward/center Marvin Bagley III (hip) is doubtful for Friday's matchup with the Toronto Raptors after starting in place of Alexandre Sarr (toe) on Wednesday. Bagley played 30 minutes in that game and produced 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block, but his right hip contusion now puts Washington's frontcourt back in flux. If he sits, Tristan Vukcevic and Cam Whitmore become deeper-league options for rebounds and low-end scoring, while Sarr would return to a heavier role if cleared. Bagley's recent minutes spike appears temporary, and his value depends entirely on Sarr's status. Managers in standard formats can leave him on the wire unless the injury report breaks in his favor.

Nov 21

Draymond Green • PF • Warriors

Draymond Green Set to Rejoin Lineup vs. Blazers

Golden State Warriors forward/center Draymond Green (illness) is probable for Friday's matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers after missing Wednesday's loss to Miami. Green has appeared in 15 games and continues to offer balanced production with 7.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists while shooting 39.1 percent from the field and 35.9 percent from three. His likely return brings stability back to Golden State's frontcourt. When Green sits, the Warriors lean on Quinten Post, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Al Horford for frontcourt minutes. Those bumps disappear once Green is active, leaving all three as short-term deep-league plays. Green remains a low-scoring but useful facilitator in most formats.

Nov 21

Jimmy Butler III • SF • Warriors

Jimmy Butler III Probable for Friday's Home Game

Golden State Warriors guard/forward Jimmy Butler III (back) is probable for Friday's matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers after missing Wednesday's loss to Miami. Butler has been steady all season, averaging 20.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists on 53.5 percent shooting with efficient work from three. His return should bring structure back to Golden State's rotation. When Butler sits, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski and Buddy Hield take on larger roles, and all three saw extra shot volume in his absence. Managers in deeper formats should expect those usage bumps to fade if Butler is active. He remains a strong all-category starter, especially with his recent stretch that includes scoring lines of 33 and 28 points in two of his last five appearances.

Nov 21

Aaron Gordon • PF • Nuggets

Aaron Gordon Expected Back in the Lineup on Friday

Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is probable for Friday's matchup with the Houston Rockets after missing the previous game. Whenever Gordon is available, he delivers steady counting stats. He's averaging 20.3 points and 6.3 rebounds while shooting 53.6 percent overall and 45.2 percent from long range. His return should stabilize Denver's forward rotation and push Peyton Watson back into a secondary role after Watson delivered 32 points and 12 rebounds on Wednesday. Gordon remains a locked-in starter with steady efficiency, but Christian Braun's (ankle) multiweek absence keeps minutes available on the perimeter. Gordon's return limits the ceiling for the bench group, yet Watson should continue to see enough run to stay on the radar in deeper leagues.

Nov 21

Coby White • SG • Bulls

Coby White Uncertain Against Heat

Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (calf) is questionable for Friday's meeting with the Miami Heat after appearing in two of the last three games. White has been sharp since returning. He is averaging 26.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 7.5 assists while shooting 45.2 percent from the field and 47.1 percent from three. Meanwhile, Tre Jones (ankle) is also questionable. That puts Chicago's backcourt in a tight spot on the second leg of a back-to-back. If both guards sit, Ayo Dosunmu and Kevin Huerter are in line for usage bumps and extra touches. Josh Giddey would also take on more on-ball work. White remains a hold given his recent production and efficiency.

Nov 21

Tre Jones • PG • Bulls

Tre Jones Questionable Ahead of Heat Matchup

Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones (ankle) is questionable for Friday's matchup with the Miami Heat after missing three straight games. Jones averaged 13.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2.1 steals before the injury and had been holding a steady role while Coby White (calf) was out. White has since returned for two of the past three games and produced well, but he is also questionable. If both guards sit, Ayo Dosunmu and Kevin Huerter stand to gain the most, with Dosunmu likely picking up extra ball-handling duties and Huerter sliding into a larger scoring role. Jones remains a reasonable hold in most formats, though his workload may fluctuate depending on White's availability.

Nov 21

Darius Garland • PG • Cavaliers

Darius Garland Might Play on Friday Night

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (toe) is questionable for Friday's meeting with the Pacers. The left Great Toe injury has been an issue all season, limiting him to only three appearances. Garland has also struggled from a production standpoint, averaging 13.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 1.0 steals. If the 24-year-old is able to suit up, he may see fewer minutes than the 33.2 he's averaged per game throughout his career. Still, Garland remains a viable fantasy option in any format based on his upside alone. If he suffers a setback and doesn't play, Nae'Qwan Tomlin, who had 10 points and two rebounds in Wednesday's loss to Houston, may be in line for another start, giving him streaming appeal for deeper fantasy setups.

Nov 21

Jaren Jackson Jr. • PF • Grizzlies |

Santi Aldama • PF • Grizzlies

Jaren Jackson Jr. Out Against Sacramento, Santi Aldama Starting

Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (ankle) won't play on Thursday versus Sacramento. He tweaked his ankle during the recent loss to the San Antonio Spurs, resulting in his first absence of the 2025 campaign. Fantasy managers are certainly hoping he'll be back on the floor for Saturday's game in Dallas. However, as far as Thursday's contest is concerned, Santi Aldama will make his first start of the year. Aldama is averaging 12.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.1 steals this season, although he should be more productive as a member of the starting lineup, especially with Ja Morant (calf) sidelined.

Nov 21

Tyrese Maxey • PG • 76ers

Tyrese Maxey Available Versus Milwaukee

Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (quadriceps) will play on Thursday against Milwaukee. He appeared on the injury report because of a right quad contusion, although it isn't severe enough to force him to miss his first game of the 2025 campaign. The 25-year-old has had an MVP-caliber season, averaging a career-high 31.9 points and 7.8 assists. Of course, he's a must-start in any fantasy format, and he should remain nearly as productive moving ahead, at least while Joel Embiid (knee) is off the floor and Paul George is still working his way back to a full workload.

Nov 21

Zaccharie Risacher • SF • Hawks

Zaccharie Risacher Cleared to Face Spurs

Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (hip) is available for Thursday's contest versus the Spurs after missing one game because of a right hip contusion. The 2024 No. 1 overall pick has been decent throughout his sophomore campaign, averaging 12.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. However, it's safe to say fantasy managers are hoping for more, especially with extra scoring chances up for grabs due to the absence of Trae Young (knee). Until Risacher starts showing signs of consistent production, he's not the safest fantasy option, although the upside is always there for those willing to take a chance. With Risacher on the floor, Vit Krejci, who had nine points in the Hawks' recent loss to the Pistons, will head back to the bench, significantly lowering his fantasy ceiling.

Nov 21

Kristaps Porzingis • C • Hawks

Kristaps Porzingis Back in Action on Thursday

Atlanta Hawks center Kristaps Porzingis (knee) will play on Thursday versus San Antonio after missing the last three contests because of right knee soreness. The 30-year-old has had a down season, averaging 17.3 points, his fewest since his rookie campaign, while logging a career-low 5.7 rebounds and 31.1% shooting from behind the arc. However, that type of production is still good enough to keep him starting in most fantasy formats. He'll have a favorable chance to get something going for managers against a Spurs team that won't have Victor Wembanyama (calf). With Porzingis back in the equation, Onyeka Okongwu will presumably head back to the bench, although he remains a double-double threat even with a reduced role.

Nov 21

Jarrett Allen • C • Cavaliers

Jarrett Allen Questionable for Friday

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (finger) is listed as questionable for Friday's contest against the Indiana Pacers. Allen is dealing with a strained finger injury. The 27-year-old's status will likely be a game-time decision. If Allen is unable to suit up, Evan Mobley could see extra scoring opportunities. Dean Wade could be slotted at center as well. However, he doesn't produce much offensively to be on fantasy managers' radar for Friday evening's tilt.

Nov 20

Domantas Sabonis • C • Kings

Domantas Sabonis Will Miss at Least 3-4 Weeks

Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (knee) will miss at least the next three to four weeks, according to the latest from ESPN's Shams Charania. Sabonis was already ruled out for the second game of the team's back-to-back on Thursday, but now there's a clearer timeline of just how long he'll miss. While he's out, Drew Eubanks, Precious Achiuwa, and Maxime Raynaud will fill in at center. Eubanks started in his place on Wednesday and will likely see the biggest boost, although the team could take the opportunity to take a look at second-round pick Raynaud as well. The Kings are only 3-12 through their first 15 games, and without Sabonis, they could sink even lower over the next few weeks. In better news, they'll have forward Keegan Murray (thumb) available for his season debut on Thursday against the Grizzlies, and maybe he'll be able to help pick up some of the slack during Sabonis's absence as well.

Nov 20

Nikola Jović • SF • Heat

Nikola Jovic Out Against Bulls on Friday

According to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic (hip) didn't travel with his team to Chicago on Thursday. The Heat square off against the Bulls tomorrow evening in the Windy City. Jovic will miss his second game in a row due to a right hip impingement. He will likely be unavailable for Sunday's road matchup with the 76ers as well. Once the 22-year-old can return, he will have to regain his shooting touch to be fantasy-relevant again.

Nov 20

Alexandre Sarr • PF • Wizards

Alexandre Sarr Listed as Questionable for Friday Against the Raptors

Washington Wizards center Alexandre Sarr (toe) missed Wednesday's game against the Timberwolves after playing in the team's first 13 games of the season. He could return on Friday for the NBA Cup game against Toronto since he was listed as questionable with left big toe soreness. In his 13 games before the injury, Sarr averaged 18.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.2 blocks, and 29.0 minutes per game. If he misses Friday's game, more time would go to Tristan Vukcevic since Marvin Bagley III (hip) is doubtful with a right hip contusion.

Nov 20

Paul George • SF • 76ers

Paul George Set to Suit Up Thursday

Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (knee) is absent from the team's injury report ahead of Thursday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. The injury-prone star missed Wednesday's contest versus Toronto after making his season debut on Monday in a 110-108 victory over the Clippers. In his first outing, he registered nine points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two blocks across 21 minutes on the floor. With George likely seeing limited minutes and Joel Embiid (knee) still out, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and Quentin Grimes will likely see plenty of extra minutes and scoring opportunities this evening.

Nov 20

Gary Harris • SG • Bucks

Gary Harris Added to the Injury Report as Questionable for Thursday

Milwaukee Bucks guard/forward Gary Harris returned from a hamstring injury about a week ago and was starting to work his way into the rotation. He could be in for more work with the team in search of scoring options in the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo (groin) for the next few weeks. However, Garris is now in danger of missing Thursday's game against the 76ers due to illness. He's only playing 9.5 minutes per contest in his eight games this season, but check back before tip-off to see if he can be part of the team's rotation without Giannis on Thursday.

Nov 20

Andrew Wiggins • SF • Heat

Andrew Wiggins Unavailable For Friday's Matchup With Chicago

Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (hip) will be unavailable for Friday's matchup with the Chicago Bulls. Wiggins hasn't missed a game this season, but a left hip injury will keep him out of action Friday evening. The 30-year-old is having a solid campaign so far, averaging 16.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 steals across 15 outings. It's unclear whether Wiggins will play in Philadelphia on Sunday, since he didn't travel with the team to the Windy City. Nikola Jovic (hip) is also unavailable, so Jamie Jaquez and Pelle Larsson will be relied upon to produce offensively during tomorrow night's tilt.

Nov 20

Garrison Mathews • SG • Pacers

Garrison Mathews Will Join the Pacers

Free-agent guard/forward Garrison Mathews is signing a 10-day hardship contract with the Pacers, who have been decimated by injuries in the early part of the season. Mathews has played six seasons in the NBA, spending time with the Wizards, Rockets, and Hawks. Last year, he played 47 games for Atlanta and averaged 7.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.8 three-pointers in 17.7 minutes per game. He will give the Pacers some experience and scoring on the wing and should play minutes right away. The veteran sharpshooter may be a DFS or streaming option if you need three-point production when the 2-13 Pacers take on the Cavaliers on Friday and Mathews makes his debut.

Nov 20

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